Montenegro hosts Ministerial Energy Forum, Energy Investment Dialogue within its Berlin Process chairmanship

Montenegro hosted the Ministerial Energy Forum and Energy Investment Dialogue on 23 April as part of its 2026 chairmanship of the Berlin Process, bringing together energy ministers from across the Western Balkans alongside representatives of the EU, the Energy Community, financial institutions and industry.

The discussions underscored that the region is entering a decisive stage in its energy transition, shifting from planning to the delivery of concrete projects, with a focus on strengthening energy security and accelerating investment. Montenegro’s Minister of Energy and Mining, Admir Šahmanović, said the Western Balkans is increasingly positioning itself as a region of opportunity and implementation, rather than delay, and stressed Montenegro’s ambition to act as a regional leader and future energy hub closely aligned with the European Union.

Key topics at the forum included alignment with EU energy and climate policies, electricity market integration, security of supply, renewable energy development and regional infrastructure expansion. Artur Lorkowski highlighted that while the region has significant energy potential, progress will depend on the pace of reforms, project readiness and deeper market integration. He also noted that Montenegro is advancing quickly in its EU energy negotiations, with completion potentially as early as 2026.

The accompanying Energy Investment Dialogue focused on removing barriers to investment, improving regulatory certainty, strengthening grid infrastructure and preparing projects for financing. Participants agreed that, despite strong investment potential, faster procedures, clearer legal frameworks and closer public–private cooperation are essential to unlock further momentum.

Montenegro reaffirmed its commitment to promoting regional cooperation, infrastructure development and policies supporting energy security, sustainability and EU integration. The event was supported by Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) through the Regional Climate Partnership betwee